Homemade Hot Chocolate for the Holidays

With the countdown to Christmas beginning, dessert lovers near and far unite with the shared love of hot chocolate. While a cup of Swissmiss is nothing to be ashamed of, VALLEY encourages you to up your hot chocolate game with these homemade recipes that are sure to put you into the holiday spirit. 

After trying any of these recipes, you will not be purchasing a box of Swissmiss in the near future so grab your chocolate chips and let’s get whisking!

Classic Peppermint Vanilla Hot Chocolate

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup half and half
• ¼ cup white chocolate chips
• Pinch of nutmeg
• ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Whipped cream and crushed candy cane for topping

What You’ll Do:

1. Combine half and half, chocolate chips, nutmeg and cinnamon in a saucepan over low heat 
2. After mixture is melted, add in vanilla and peppermint extracts
3. Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes

Reeces Cup Hot Chocolate

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup half and half
• ¼ cup milk chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Whipped cream and mini Reece’s cups to top

What You’ll Do:

1. Combine half and half, chocolate chips and peanut butter into a saucepan over low heat
2. After mixture is melted, add in vanilla extracts
3. Top with whipped cream and mini Reece’s cups

Superfood Hot Chocolate

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup cashew or oat milk
• ½ cup dark chocolate squares
• ½ teaspoon raw cacao powder
• 1 teaspoon raw honey
• ⅛ teaspoon maca powder
• Pinch of cinnamon

What You’ll Do:

1. Combine all ingredients over saucepan over low heated
2. Once melted, pour into your favorite mug and enjoy!

Spiked Hot Chocolate

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• ½ cup chocolate chips of choice
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• ½ of bourbon or peppermint schnapps
• Marshmallows to top

What You’ll Do:

1. Combine milk, cinnamon, chocolate chips and sugar in a saucepan over low heat
2. Once melted, pour the mixture into a mug
3. Add in alcohol of choice 
4. Top with marshmallows

*VALLEY does not support underage drinking. Please remember to always drink responsibly.

With the recipes above, VALLEY ensures that you will have a joyful and chocolate-filled holiday season. While these drinks are perfect for a night to yourself to enjoy your favorite movie and alone time, why not try serving them to your closest friends and family to spread the love! Tag us on Instagram, @VALLEYmag, with pics of your favorite hot chocolate recipe.

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